Racism continues to play a role in the rhetoric of political leaders this legislative session. Last week a comment by Rep. Olsen (R- Roland) compared abortion to both slavery and the holocaust. As of the writing of this article, Rep. Olsen has stood firmly behind his comments and refuses to apologize.

This follows an incident in March in which Rep. Boles (R- Marlow) used the phrase “colored babies,” also in reference to an anti-abortion bill. A statement which he has issued a public apology on. And still, as though these comments were not enough, they follow on the heels of a piece of legislation (SB 803) which would have prohibited public and charter schools from teaching on systemic racism and sexism. This bill however did not make it past deadline and is, for now, dead.

2021 legislative session continues to highlight how much work we have to do around ignorance, racism, and privilege. If you are reading this weekly recap you are probably a supporter of our work here at CAIR-OK. Thank you for fighting with us.

Below is a list of bill highlights from this week

Voting

HB 2564; Quinn
Allows the Governor and Attorney General, and the state election board to have recall on state questions for transparency in the election process.
The bill passed: 12 ayes; 1 nay

SB 712; Lowe
Allows for a digital precinct registry.
The bill passed: 7 ayes; 0 nays

SB 710; Newton
Allows the state election board to join ERIC (electronic information registration center) a multistate voter list maintenance organization, to better track the accuracy of voters and those living in the state of Oklahoma
The bill passed: 6 ayes; 2 nays

SB 714; Newton
Provides that requests for absentee ballots be received sooner, adjusts related procedural requirements for requesting and submitting absentee ballots to the county and provides provisions for electronic ballot delivery;
The bill passed: 8 ayes; 0 nays

SB 715; Newton
Changes on the clarification of electioneering on where 300 feet is from a polling place.
The bill passed: 8 ayes; 0 nays

Civil Rights

HB 2335 Steagall, Jett

Prohibits government entities from mandating vaccinations and prohibits discrimination based on vaccination
The bill passed: 6 ayes; 5 nays
HB 2441; Daniels
Requires attempt to detect fetal heartbeat before an abortion
The bill passed; 15 ayes; 4 nays

Protesting

HB 2095; Daniels
Places unlawful assembly under Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations
(RICO) statutes
The bill passed: 5 ayes; 3 nays

Criminal Justice and Police Reform

HB 2774; Bullard, Pfeiffer
Allows for the personal information of law enforcement officers to remain confidential
The bill passed: 9 ayes; 2 nays
SB 140; Newton
Expand the age for one of the most successful programs for young adults.
The bill passed: 88 ayes; 0 nays

HB 1880; Jech
Request from DA association. Creates the restorative justice system and a five year pilot program
The bill passed: 19 ayes; 0 nays

HB 1633; Bergstrom, Harden
Currently county jails are not responsible for medical treatment of pre-existing conditions. This bill adds self-inflicted injuries to that list. The substitute adds municipalities.
The bill passed: 8 ayes; 3 nays

Immigration
HB 2030; Pugh
Start in 2023, requires the passing of the U.S Citizenship test for high school graduation.
The bill passed: 14 ayes; 6 nays

Firearms
HB 2645; Bergrstom, Echols
Modifies the carrying of firearms in bar areas or restaurants selling alcohol, removers transport requirements for certain weapons
The bill passed: 8 ayes; 2 nays